Sunday, March 13, 2011

Ranting

Over the last couple of weeks, I've found myself at a stand-still with my photography. So I have done the unthinkable and decided to "take a break" from my male nudes series and pursue photographing the women in my family for the time being. Although I rarely discuss my family history, current situations and so on, documenting some of my folks actually has much to do with my interest in photographing men in the first place. For the most part, relationships with men have been rocky ones and have influenced every woman in my family on various levels. In retrospect, I strongly connect my male nudes series to the roots of my southern family and how women are expected to act or be treated around the household.

This past weekend, I decided to take a trip to Alabama to spend some time with my great grandmother and relatives out in the middle of nowhereville. So, I come to document my family and as I'm sitting in the living room, something runs into the house! Well, luckily I was present because apparently no one thought anything of what sounded like a crater landing in the front yard. So... one of the joys of being a photographer....

What landed on the front porch? Oh, that was a car. And then there was the guy wedged into it. Well, I did call 911. And then? I snapped some photos. I have never been this up close to someone nearly dead! I hope the guy lived because that was one hell of a scary sight. After a couple of hours and a team of about 40 people, the guy was lifeflown to the Birmingham hospital.

So I went to Alabama to photograph family and I came back with this:





I'm not sure it really goes with the family series, but it has to count for something!
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3 comments:

  1. Dana SoutherlandMarch 14, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    I was very surprised to not see your nude series up in critique today. Even though this was a shock, I was immensely interested in this documentation of your family. After you explained the meaning behind this series, I really think that you could continue this project next quarter. There are definitely a lot of stories with each person you photographed that you could delve into more. I understand if this environment makes you crazy or does not feel sanitary but there is definitely a strong story behind these people in your family. I am still shocked to hear that your 98 year old grandmother is taking care of a 2 year old as well. That in itself is an amazing story that is a rare thing to find. After the shock of not seeing your nudes, I feel that this was a very interesting change of pace for you to begin.

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  2. Forest McMullinMarch 15, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    This new work isn't as self-consciously "art", but it has the visceral power of reality that, as you say, informs your male nudes. Please show me more if you pursue it.

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  3. UnknownMarch 18, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    I think this is a good direction to explore. Go back to your motivational roots and poke at the underlying dynamics. It can't help but make the nudes that much stronger when you return to them.

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